Page 65 of The Billionaire Invitation

He took a second look around the room, and noticed bottles of Octavius’s wine, “The Big O,” lined up on nearly every surface. The man never missed an opportunity to market himself.

Dante was about to ask his brothers how long they planned on staying tonight, when the clapping began. Jaylyn started it, and then Zander, Brody, and a few other guests joined in.

“The man of the hour is here!” announced his father’s voice.

Dante turned to find Octavius dressed in cargo pants, boots, and an untucked button-down shirt. He cradled a half-filled glass of red wine and an unlit cigar in one hand, the other raised over his head as if he was a celebrity.

His white hair was longer than usual in the back. He’d grown a beard since Dante had seen him last. It suited him, as did the outfit. For whatever reason, it chapped Dante’s ass that O hadn’t bothered with a tie at his own restaurant. Not that Brody had worn one either. He was also dressed in an open collared shirt, though he had opted for pants that were more appropriate for an office than while on safari.

Jaylyn was the first to bop over and wrap her arms around Octavius’s neck in a bear hug. “What took you so long? I was here thirty minutes ago.”

“I was at the bar having a wine with a woman named Leena.”

Of course he was. The world stopped and started up again on O’s timetable.

From the other side of the room, Honesty offered Dante a soft smile of support. Evidently she had picked up on his discomfort tonight. He hadn’t bitched about it, only had warned her that he and O weren’t close. She’d been supportive when she’d said, “I’m sure it’ll be fine. Everyone wants to see the baby, anyway.”

“Let it roll off your back,” Zander advised before stepping forward to clasp their father’s hand in his own.

Easier said than done.

Brody received a hearty hug from their dad next. When O extended a hand to Dante, he did so with a bit of hesitation. “If it isn’t my California kid.” O gave him a once over. “Such a city slicker. I thought Zander was the one with the stick up his ass.”

He laughed at his own joke while Dante gritted his teeth. Zander shrugged one shoulder, utterly unbothered.

It was going to be a long night.

A gaggle of waitstaff filed in with mezzo boards loaded with rustic breads, black and green olives, whipped ricotta, and a variety of roasted vegetables. Everyone took their seats—O at the head of the table, Brody and Reagan to his left, Zander and Chloe and Jaylyn to his right. Honesty sat next to Reagan while Dante took the head of the table at the opposite end.

“Are we missing someone?” Jaylyn pointed to a place setting.

“Ask Dante.” Octavius grinned.

“Ask me what?”

“You don’t know?” O drank down a mouthful of wine. “Your mother is attending. Any minute now. Her private flight landed an hour ago. I thought you two knew each other’s schedules. They are more of a couple than Simone Moretti and I ever were,” he muttered to Chloe.

Chloe, ever the peacekeeper, smiled over at Dante. “She must have wanted to surprise you.”

Under the table, Honesty gripped his hand.

By the time dinner had been served family style—roasted branzino, rack of lamb, and handmade pasta—Octavius was telling stories in his boisterous, charming way. He mentioned his next trip—Portugal this time, since he’d recently returned from Dubai.

Brody mentioned how much he loved Portugal at the same time Dante’s mother appeared in the doorway.

“Simone!” Brody called out, off his chair in an instant to kiss her cheek. She embraced him, said hello to Reagan, and then hugged her way around the table. She offered her hand for O to kiss before taking her seat next to Dante.

“Thanks for the warning,” he told her as she patted his hand.

“Last minute flight change. We’ll discuss later.”

“Mom, meet Honesty Benitez.”

“It’s nice to meet you. Dante’s been a great help with my foundation,” Honesty said magnanimously.

“Yes, I’m sure.” Simone’s smile was impermeable. “I’ve heard a lot about you over the years. I’m sure there is more to you and Dante than a…foundation.”

“Mom,” Dante warned.